BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2026 Jan 31. doi: 10.1186/s12891-026-09567-6. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Anterior glenohumeral instability is a common issue, particularly among young and active individuals. Arthroscopic Bankart repair is an effective surgical method for achieving long-term shoulder stability. However, despite favorable biomechanical outcomes, return to sport rates vary widely. Psychological factors, especially kinesiophobia, may play a decisive role in this variability.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of postoperative kinesiophobia on clinical outcomes, functional scores, and return to sport following arthroscopic Bankart repair.
METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 73 patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair between December 2019 and June 2024. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES) were utilized for assessments. Patients were stratified based on their TSK scores, and the relationships between kinesiophobia levels, functional outcomes, and return-to-sport rates were analyzed statistically.
RESULTS: The mean patient age was 28 years (range, 15-47 years), with a mean follow-up period of 22 months (range, 12-50 months). Patients with high TSK scores demonstrated significantly worse WOSI and ASES outcomes (p < 0.001), indicating poorer shoulder-related quality of life and diminished shoulder function. Elevated levels of kinesiophobia were also associated with reduced rates of high-level return to sport. A strong positive correlation was observed between preoperative and postoperative TSK scores (r = 0.611), suggesting persistence of kinesiophobia over time. Despite achieving surgical stability, fear of reinjury emerged as a significant barrier to returning to sport.
CONCLUSION: Kinesiophobia is a critical psychological factor that adversely affects functional recovery and return to sport following arthroscopic Bankart repair. Patients with high levels of kinesiophobia demonstrated poorer shoulder function, reduced shoulder-related quality of life, and lower rates of return to high-level sport, despite achieving surgical stability. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating psychological assessment and targeted interventions into postoperative rehabilitation protocols to optimize functional outcomes and facilitate a successful return to sport.
PMID:41620625 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-026-09567-6
